National Kaohsiung University of Science and Technology (NKUST) has initiated the “2028 Bilingual University” program to elevate students’ English proficiency, normalize English as a Medium of Instruction (EMI) courses, and foster a welcoming English-speaking campus environment. By emphasizing a student-centered approach and prioritizing the instructional needs of faculty, the university is methodically implementing measures that encompass students, faculty, and the overall environment. These initiatives aim to create an atmosphere conducive to English learning, enhance students’ language skills, and bolster their international mobility.
NKUST recognizes that effective communication is fundamental to success. To this end, the university conducts various meetings to promote the bilingual initiative and improve communication between faculty and students, ensuring all stakeholders fully grasp the vision for bilingual development.
To enhance students' English proficiency, NKUST has implemented a system of small class instruction based on students' language levels. This approach alleviates students’ anxiety about learning English and enables faculty to tailor instruction to individual needs. The university also provides support courses and language certification preparation classes to assist students in obtaining relevant certifications. Additionally, NKUST has expanded its English reading resources to encourage regular reading in English and has organized book clubs and competitions to spark students’ interest in the language. Furthermore, the university promotes programs that encourage immersive learning experiences abroad, thereby enhancing students’ English proficiency and global perspective. Consequently, students have demonstrated significant improvement in their English proficiency compared to the previous academic year.
To facilitate the normalization of EMI courses, NKUST has established an EMI teaching support system and a quality assurance framework. These systems aid faculty in developing the skills necessary to teach EMI courses. Commencing in the 2023 academic year, faculty members applying for EMI course subsidies are required to obtain an EMI training certificate. NKUST offers EMI training courses and incentivizes participation by providing hourly pay subsidies and service fees. In the 2023 academic year, the university offered 432 EMI courses, marking a substantial increase of 88 courses from the previous academic year. To continually support faculty in improving teaching quality, NKUST regularly conducts EMI development workshops and organizes EMI course observation activities to facilitate pedagogical exchange among faculty members.
NKUST aspires to cultivate talent that meets the demands of international industries by transforming into a bilingual university. Through comprehensive planning, the university aims to institutionalize bilingual teaching, enhance students’ international competitiveness, encourage global engagement, and nurture a supportive English-speaking campus environment where students can flourish in a bilingual setting.